Adrenaline raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to release glucose.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone and neurotransmitter released in response to stress, excitement, or perceived danger. One of its primary effects is to increase the availability of energy for the body to use, which includes raising blood glucose levels. This is achieved through several mechanisms:
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Stimulating Glycogenolysis: Adrenaline stimulates the breakdown of glycogen (stored glucose) in the liver into glucose, a process called glycogenolysis. This released glucose then enters the bloodstream, increasing blood glucose levels.
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Inhibiting Insulin Secretion: Adrenaline inhibits the release of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin normally helps to lower blood glucose by facilitating glucose uptake into cells. By inhibiting insulin, adrenaline prevents glucose from being removed from the bloodstream, further contributing to elevated blood glucose levels.
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Stimulating Glucagon Secretion: Adrenaline stimulates the release of glucagon, another hormone from the pancreas. Glucagon also promotes glycogenolysis in the liver, augmenting the effects of adrenaline on glucose release.
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Promoting Gluconeogenesis: Adrenaline can promote gluconeogenesis, the process of creating new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like amino acids and glycerol, primarily in the liver. This further contributes to increased blood glucose.
Essentially, adrenaline prepares the body for "fight or flight" by ensuring that there is enough readily available energy (glucose) in the bloodstream to fuel muscles and other vital organs. This is a crucial survival mechanism. However, chronically elevated adrenaline levels, due to prolonged stress, can contribute to hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and potentially increase the risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes.
